Jakarta, July 23 -- The Indonesian Ministry of Defense has officially finalized a contract to procure 12 advanced M-346 F Block 20 fighter jets from Italian defense manufacturer Leonardo, to serve as advanced training aircraft for Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) pilots.

The acquisition comes as part of ongoing efforts to modernize the nation's military equipment and align the armed forces' operational readiness with contemporary air defense doctrines, according to Defense Ministry spokesperson Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait.

"One of the considerations is to meet the Indonesian Air Force's pilot training requirements while supporting operational readiness," Rico said in his statement on Thursday.

Rico explained that the M-346 F Blo...